Cookies Two Ways

After making my current cookie recipe twice, I realized that they weren't as caramelized as I would like.

So I found another recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart. They only took about 10 minutes in the oven; five minutes and then rotate the pan for another five minutes. I used a ice cream scooper to keep them more uniform and flatten them with wet hands so the batter wouldn't stick.

AG is my home boy (I wish)

One of my top food blogs is the amateurgourmet.com. He rates his recipes, which is helpful in determining what is worthwhile to make. His blog also has a cute banner that changes monthly. The following are recipes that I've tried and loved!

-Almond cake
Not a light cake but totally delicious. My family's favorite.

-Pan seared rib eye
The oven needs to heat up to 500 degrees. I felt like my face was going to cook off. It gives you a great sear on the steak. My mom whipped up a quick steak sauce (ketchup, soy sauce, and ginger), and the two were great together.

-Corn chowder
I like soups especially creamy ones with potatoes. The thyme flavor really comes across so modify it to your tastes.

-Biscuits
Basic recipe that delivers. I modified it by adding cheddar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning so that they were like Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay biscuits. I was not able to butter the tops, which would have made them look and taste better.

The AJC is useful...sometimes

Thanks to Zenobia's family for introducing me to the Best Blueberry Coffeecake, which was published in the AJC. It's one of my favorite 'fruit' cakes. Simple to make with a nice sugary crust. Once again, I reduced the sugar; this time by 1/3 and used brown sugar instead though not for the topping. I would've liked to make Ina's version but alas no sour cream.

As for Top Chef, poor Kevin had a rough finale (not to mention that he broke up with his wife right before). Even though he didn't win, I still love him!

Inaugurating with Ina

Ina is my favorite Food Network chef. She hosts fabulous dinner parties, and her recipes are classic. I've tried a few...Beatty's Chocolate Cake which I made as a one layer and two layer. I actually don't mind the buttercream. When I made the one layer for the family, I reduced the sugar by 1/3 and didn't miss it. None of us have a big sweet tooth. Also, I only put chocolate and butter in the buttercream....raw yolk is not really safe.

I'm also a fan of her Curried Couscous minus the raisins.

And her basic vinaigrette. I didn't have champagne vinegar, so I used lemon juice instead. It also works without the garlic, which I was too lazy to mince my second time around. Here's the dressing tossed with red leaf lettuce and avocado.

In my queue are her blueberry crumb cake and fruit tart.